Open AccessIs SARS-CoV-2 infection an emerging risk factor for splanchnic venous thrombosis?
Author(s) -
Cesare Tripolino,
Attilia Maria Pizzini,
Stefania Zaccaroni,
Camilla Cicognani,
Susanna Dapporto,
Maria Luigia Cipollini,
Claudia Gian,
C. Cavoli,
Mauro Silingardi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical hemorheology and microcirculation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1875-8622
pISSN - 1386-0291
DOI - 10.3233/ch-211256
Subject(s) - medicine , thrombosis , venous thrombosis , splanchnic , pulmonary embolism , portal vein thrombosis , abdominal pain , risk factor , intensive care medicine , surgery , hemodynamics
OBJECTIVE: Thrombosis represents one of the most feared complications of the COronaVIrus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Although pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis are the most described complications, some investigations reported thrombotic localization also in the splanchnic venous district. METHODS: We describe the case of a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting with abdominal pain and diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis. In addition, we shortly review available literature supporting the possible role of COVID-19 as leading cause of splanchnic venous thrombosis. RESULTS: After in-depth diagnostic workup, we excluded the commonest causes of portal thrombosis and concluded that SARS-CoV-2 infection represented the main explanation of this finding. CONCLUSIONS: Our study warns the clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for thrombosis in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection manifesting gastrointestinal symptoms. An appropriate diagnostic work-up could allow to obtain an early diagnosis and consequently improve the clinical outcome of patients.